Seeking Lightweight AR Build Advice

[troglodyte]

I've got a stripped ATI polymer lower and a complete RGUNS lower (minus stock) on order. I don't anticipate getting them anytime soon so I have some time to figure out what I really want to do with them.

One thing I do know. I want to use the polymer receiver to make the lightest, shortest (legal), basic rifle. Nothing fancier than it has to be. Can't or don't want to afford carbon fiber, etc.

...and I know nothing about building ARs. Been an AK man but figured this was as good a time as any and may be the last oportunity to jump into the AR world. I have a couple of friends and friends of friends that have built theirs so I figure I can get all the help I need from them.

I'll be visiting the ARforum but was hoping someone here may have some advice on lightweight components that are economical for a working man.

[gigag04]

Here are some guys that did it right IMHO:

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=105837" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=118927" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=117681" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rm9792]

When I built mine I did the following:
Cav Arms polymer lower with shortened stock
Pencil barrel 16" with no flashider, just a thread protector
Titanium carbine rail forend (pricey but light)
remove the forward assist and plug hole
shave fixed front sight down to bare minimum of gas block only
Magpul polymer flip sights
removed dust cover and hardware

With this combo it was extremely light unloaded, lighter than some all steel handguns. However the crux is you get a lot of recoil.